Fruit Farming In The Mediterranean Regions Of Africa SS2 Geography Lesson Note

Fruit farming is defined as the type of farming in which farmers cultivate mainly fruit crops for domestic, industrial or commercial purposes.  It is sometimes called orchard farming.

FAVORABLE FACTORS OF FRUIT FARMING

1. The presence of the Mediterranean climate favours fruit farming in the regions.
2. Presence of bright, sunny, weather with hot, dry summers and wet winters.
3.  Presence of dry-warm summer temperature of 210C-270C.
4. Abundance of rainfall in winter of 25-75 cm per annum.
5. Prominence of local sirocco and mistral winds in the Mediterranean region.
6. Availability of local and foreign markets for the products.
7.  The use of irrigation schemes to support insufficient rainfall.
8. Government assistance in fruit farming.
9. The use of advanced methods and modern technologies to cultivate fruits.
10. Presence of fertile volcanic crystalline and terra soils which encourage fruit farming.

TYPES OF FRUITS PRODUCED

1. In North-West Africa:  Fruits grown include apricots, grapes, oranges, olives, lemons, limes and tangerines.
2. In South Africa: Fruits cultivated include vine, grapes, apples, pears, oranges, pineapples, peaches, apricots etc.

IMPORTANCE OF FRUIT FARMING

Some of the importance of Fruit Farming in South and North-West Africa include:

1. Provision of foreign exchange through the export of wine.
2. It employs many people.
3. It provides raw materials for fruit canning and processing industries.
4. It provides wine that is consumed locally and internationally.
5. Viticulture, the cultivation of grapefruit promotes specialization.

MAJOR AREAS OF FRUIT FARMING

1. In South Africa: Areas here include Elgin in Cape Town, Natal, and Orange Free State.
2. In North-West Africa: Areas here include Tunisia, Algeria, Libya and Morocco.

MAJOR PROBLEMS OF FRUIT FARMING

1. Rainfall is unreliable in the Mediterranean region.  This affects the growth of fruits.
2. Improper storage and processing can lead to poor quality of fruit products.
3. There is the problem of competition in quality with other wines produced in Europe.
4. Soil erosion during the summer season effects.
5. Fruits are highly perishable.  Overproduction of them can lead to spoilage and loss.

NOTE: Fruit Farming is more popular and lucrative in South Africa than in North-West Africa because:

1. Massive Government Assistance.
2. The High demand for fruits in Europe in winter, when it is unable to produce fruits.  This is summertime in South Africa when harvest is taking place.
3. South Africa is closer to Europe. This location advantage increases the sales of fruits in South Africa.
4. There is a higher demand for fruits in South Africa.